First build - Advice please - Geeks to Go Forums

First build - Advice please

#1 Funinak

Group: Member
Posts: 8
Joined: 13-July 12

Posted 13 July 2012 - 01:31 AM

So this is my first build, as noted my the title, and will primarily be used for gaming. No real budget, but I still want it to be somewhat practical, not too over-the-top. Haven't bought anything yet, would like any suggestions for the build.

Case: CM Storm Trooper
MB: ASRock Z77 Extreme9
CPU: Intel i7-3770k
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100
PSU: Corsair AX1200
GPU: XFX Double D HD 7970 Black Edition
HD: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB
SSD: OCZ Vertex 4 512 GB
RAM: G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB
Optical Drive: ASUS DVD Burner
Extra Case Fans: Cooler Master SickleFlow

#2 phillpower2

Group: Technician
Posts: 9,134
Joined: 25-August 09

Posted 14 July 2012 - 06:32 AM

Funinak

The details below are guidance and not criticisms but your build is rather over the top for gaming, you could significantly reduce the cost but still have an awesome gaming rig, some pointers for you to consider;

The i5 3570k Ivy Bridge will more than suit your needs and far less expensive http://www.microcent...duct_id=0388577

Your aftermarket cooler, a very important thing I must make you aware of is that you do not need the additional heatsink and CPU fan and if you did use it you would void your CPU warranty, Intel are clear on this, see below;

Quote

• damage to the Product due to external causes, including accident, problems with electrical power, abnormal electrical, mechanical or environmental conditions, usage not in accordance with product instructions, misuse, neglect, alteration, repair, improper installation, or improper testing;

Full article available @ http://www.intel.com...b/CS-009862.htm

Your choice of PSU is also excessive, it does not hurt (except for your bank balance) to have more power available than you need but you do not need anything like 1200W, having used a PSU calculator and allowing for two HDDs due to your SSD the minimum recommended PSU was 581W http://images10.newe...tage-Calculator

A better and less expensive video card http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130787 and benchmarks http://www.videocard...GeForce+GTX+670

For your operating system and favourite game/s you only need an SSD with a storage capacity of between 120 and 128GB and this will also allow for OS updates for years to come http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=

#3 Funinak

Group: Member
Posts: 8
Joined: 13-July 12

Posted 16 July 2012 - 01:40 AM

Thanks for the tips!

I'll probably switch out the processor and graphics cards with the ones you mentioned.

I am aware of the warranty issue with aftermarket CPU coolers, but I think the improved temps are worth it.

Though the PSU is a little overkill right now, I was trying to keep it future-proof for a second card in SLI/Crossfire when it would be needed. What wattage would you recommend for that?

With how full my current system hard drive is on my gaming laptop (204 GB), I think I'll go for a 256 GB SSD just to be safe.

Though you didn't say anything about this, what is your opinion on ASRock vs ASUS motherboards?

#4 Funinak

Group: Member
Posts: 8
Joined: 13-July 12

Posted 17 July 2012 - 01:04 AM

So after taking your advice, this is my new build.

Case: CM Storm Trooper
MB: ASRock Z77 Extreme9
CPU: Intel i5-3570k
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100
PSU: Corsair AX850
GPU: Gigabyte GV-N670OC-2GD GTX 670 2GB
HD: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB
SSD: OCZ Vertex 4 256 GB
RAM: G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 16GB
Optical Drive: ASUS DVD Burner
Extra Case Fans: Cooler Master SickleFlow

Anything I missed?

#5 phillpower2

Group: Technician
Posts: 9,134
Joined: 25-August 09

Posted 17 July 2012 - 05:26 AM

Funinak, on 17 July 2012 - 01:04 AM, said:

Nice build

Couple of pointers for you, good choice of PSU both for quality and output requirement ( for both one or two video cards) 8GB of Ram is adequate for your requirements - the other 8GB of Ram will not be used, ASRock and ASUS both make very good and some not so good MBs.

Quote

Anything I missed?

I do not see an operating system disk on your list, what will you be using?

#6 Funinak

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Posts: 8
Joined: 13-July 12

Posted 17 July 2012 - 10:18 AM

I have a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium, I just didn't put it on since I have it already.

#7 phillpower2

Group: Technician
Posts: 9,134
Joined: 25-August 09

Posted 17 July 2012 - 10:55 AM

32 or 64-bit OS?

Just a cautionary note, unless your OS disk is the full retail edition you cannot use it with a new MB as an OEM disk is tied to the original MB it was paired with.

Exceptions to the above are 1: If your MB is replaced under warranty and 2: If your MB is replaced out of warranty with an alternative type but same brand due to the original model no longer being available, an upgraded MB however will require the purchase of a new OS licence.

#8 Funinak

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Joined: 13-July 12

Posted 17 July 2012 - 02:18 PM

It can install either, so I'm going with the 64-bit.

And it is a full retail copy, so I should be fine with the MB issue.

#9 phillpower2

Group: Technician
Posts: 9,134
Joined: 25-August 09

Posted 17 July 2012 - 02:34 PM

Everything looks good to go when you are ready

Let us know when you are up and running or if you have any questions at all.

#10 Funinak

Group: Member
Posts: 8
Joined: 13-July 12

Posted 18 July 2012 - 01:50 AM

Thanks for the help!

I'll post again when I get the rest of the money and order the parts.

#11 phillpower2

Group: Technician
Posts: 9,134
Joined: 25-August 09

Posted 18 July 2012 - 03:06 AM

You are most welcome - I will look out for your update

First build - Advice please - Geeks to Go Forums